The Lotus Elise has long represented the lightweight sports car philosophy, but the VHPK from Analogue Automotive takes the first-generation Elise considerably further. Priced from £350,000, or about $470,000 before taxes, the ultra-limited model combines extensive carbon-fiber construction, a 250-horsepower engine and a central driving position.
The First VHPK Is Finished in PK Purple
Analogue Automotive in the UK introduced the VHPK last year as a complete reimagining of the first-generation Elise rather than a conventional restoration. The company strips donor cars down to their foundations before rebuilding them and replacing or upgrading almost every component.
The first customer car is finished in a custom color called PK Purple, paired with a matching Alcantara interior and gold exhaust tips. The specification is unique to its owner while also demonstrating what Analogue Automotive can create for its extremely limited production run.
At a glance, the VHPK retains the unmistakable appearance of a Series 1 Elise. However, nearly every body panel has been replaced with aerospace-grade carbon fiber.
Instead of using a splash-mold manufacturing approach, Analogue Automotive uses CNC-machined molds similar to those found in Formula 1 or the aerospace industry. The process produces panels that are lighter and tougher, with carbon fiber used for the clamshells, doors, bonnet and engine cover.
A Central Driving Position Saves More Weight
The VHPK also transforms the Elise’s interior. The conventional two-seat arrangement is replaced by a single carbon bucket seat positioned in the center of the cockpit.
Analogue Automotive drew inspiration from the single-seater Elises that competed in the Autobytel Lotus Championship during the early 2000s. Carbon fiber is used extensively throughout the cabin, including the dashboard and door inserts.
250 Horsepower From the Rover K-Series
Rather than replacing the Elise’s Rover K-Series engine, Analogue Automotive extensively upgrades it. The naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine grows from 1.8 to 1.9 liters and receives forged internals and custom billet components developed through years of work with Series 1 Elises.
The upgrades increase output to 250 horsepower, more than 30% higher than the old VHPD engine used in the Elise Sport 190 and 340R.
Power is sent through an upgraded Quaife PG1 five-speed close-ratio manual transmission with a limited-slip differential, retaining the raw mechanical character of the setup.
The VHPK Weighs Less Than 1,322 Pounds
Weight reduction extends throughout the car. The VHPK weighs under 1,322 pounds, with its low mass achieved through forged wheels, custom ultralight hubs, carbon-ceramic brakes, a lightweight fuel tank, a stainless exhaust and a reduced-weight wiring loom.
Buyers can reduce the weight even further by selecting carbon-fiber wheels, which remove another 26 pounds. Other available options include exposed carbon bodywork, electric HVAC, active suspension and a carbon hardtop.
Only 35 VHPKs Will Be Built
Analogue Automotive plans to build just 35 VHPKs, with each car receiving its own number. The starting price is £350,000, equivalent to about $470,000 before taxes.
That price also includes finding and supplying a donor Series 1 Elise for the build, completing the transformation of the original lightweight sports car into the highly limited VHPK.
